California Construction News staff writer
California is investing about $5 billion to upgrade roads, bridges, and alternative transportation systems across the state, Governor Gavin Newsom announced. Projects will improve safety and mobility on local streets and state highways while advancing zero-emission transportation options and other clean mobility projects.
More than half of the funding will go directly to 600 local governments and regional transportation agencies for annual road, bridge, and infrastructure improvements statewide.
“California is investing in itself — in our communities, our people, and the places we drive, walk, and ride every day,” said Newsom. “We’re making our roads safer, our commutes smoother, and our transportation system cleaner and more connected.”
Projects include:
- $700 million for major deck repairs and upgrades to the 60-year-old Vincent Thomas Bridge at the Port of Los Angeles.
- $140 million for truck climbing lanes and other improvements to Interstate 80 in the Sierra foothills between Applegate and Emigrant Gap.
- $97 million to replace a pedestrian bridge near City College of San Francisco and enhance facilities along Interstate 280 between San Francisco and San Mateo counties.
- $6.3 million for new sidewalks, bike lanes and traffic controls in Santa Barbara, Santa Rosa and Santa Clara County.
- $10 million for a floating charging station for zero-emission ferries in San Francisco Bay.
- $9.7 million to purchase electric buses for the University of California, Los Angeles.
- $8 million to restore fire-damaged irrigation systems and landscaping near Lake Forest in Orange County.
“This nearly $5 billion investment highlights California’s strong commitment to creating a modern, resilient transportation system that enhances local streets and strengthens connections between neighborhoods, job centers and schools,” said California Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin.
Of the total announcement, $470 million comes from Senate Bill 1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017, and $4.2 billion from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The state is expected to receive about $42 billion in federal infrastructure funding over five years to upgrade roads, bridges, rail, transit, airports, ports, and EV charging infrastructure.
“The Commission is committed to ensuring that California’s transportation system is safe and reliable for everyone who uses it,” said Tanisha Taylor, executive director of the California Transportation Commission. “These projects will improve multimodal access, boost our economy, and reduce out-of-pocket expenses for Californians.”
More information is available at build.ca.gov.
